I was a virgin until last week...

An

virgin that is.

(Come on, you were intrigued by the title and just had to open to read the rest?!?!?!)

I admit it, My name is Mrs. Molly Lou and I had NEVER been to an Ikea until last Saturday. I probably would have never admitted this because I was holding on to every little bit of coolness that I could grasp. Of course, I should have been to an Ikea. Many times at that. You see there has never been an Ikea near me. Of all the places we have lived, you would think that one would have been more convenient. There was one close to us in Toronto, but I was about to BUST with Mini #1 and didn't want to go in to labor while waddling around Ikea.

I have dreamed of Ikea. I have heard others talk about the phenomenon that is Ikea. I had heard all about the deals, the craziness, the quantities, the showcases and room layouts, the colors, the food court, oh my. I have seen some treasures that others have found and longed to join the group with stories of Ikea.

We were in Atlanta last weekend for the wedding and I pretty much had all day to kill. Mr. Molly Lou was with the groom fulfilling his best man duties and I had NO CHILDREN. Talk about a treat. I went and did some other things, shopped a little, enjoyed some "me" time and then remembered we had passed an Ikea coming in to town. I had talked with a few other people about this before. I had about an hour before I needed to get back to get ready...Ikea here I come!

First of all...Holy Smokes that place is huge. You can seriously be lost in there for days. I was in sensory overload the entire time and couldn't quite grasp all that there was to see, feel, touch, pick up, and purchase. I am not claustrophobic, but when it was about time for me to leave, I couldn't find the way to the exit and had a near panic attack.

I was walking in circles, starting to hyperventilate, and talking to myself:

"Rugs, I passed rugs three minutes ago.

Bath fixtures, I passed those right before the rugs.

Frames, I have seen these at least three times.

Kitchen gadgets, I passed those before the frames, but after the rugs the first time.

Rugs, how in the hay did I get back to rugs. I was here just after the frames. I took a right the first time and ended up in the bath fixtures. If I go to the green area one more time. Great...I'm going to miss the wedding.

Stop and breathe...Just follow the signs very closely. You're smarter than this, much smarter."

As I was walking to the checkout, I saw entire areas of things I had not even glanced at.

I did get just a few things and could have purchased more. I was impressed by some things, but also felt let down by others. I didn't find any .99 throw pillows, 3.00 rugs, or .49 useless, but stylish home gadgets. I think since I had waited so long for this experience that it just didn't live up to the hype.

Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to go back with my BFF to share in the madness. Ikea really is almost indescribable. Before my next visit, I am going to get a gameplan and divide and conquer.

Happy weekend! Can't wait to hear about them on Monday.